ASUS wowed ThinkComputers in January 2007 within its WL-500W, an pre-802.11n router with USB ports for mass storage devices or a printer. ASUS recently released a 125 Mbps 802.11g router with a USB port for a printer, called the WL-520GU. This router is Vista-ready and features an easily configurable Bandwidth-On-Demand feature for Quality of Service adjustments. ThinkComputers investigates...

ASUS's packaging is always incredibly informational, and the packaging for the WL-520GU is no exception. The packaging hits the three main abilities of the device: easy setup, easy bandwidth prioritization, and print sharing. The rear of the box highlights each of those in greater detail, and also covers the WDS-wireless distribution system-capabilities of the device.

Inside the well-packed box is the WL-520GU unit, a power adapter, an Ethernet cable, an antenna, and some documentation.

First Looks

The ASUS WL-520GU looks not unlike the rest of ASUS' line of routers. On the rear, it has a single antenna, five Ethernet ports, a power jack, and a USB port. There's a red button to activate EZSetup.
On the front, there's a product logo and a series of LEDs for each connector on the back, plus a wireless and power LED.

On the top, there's a vent toward the rear. The bottom bears MAC information, as well as rubber pads and mounting holes. There's also the default username and password for the router, as well as a message saying "Change your password asap." Good job, ASUS.